Ruto Announces KSh32 Billion Bamburi Cement Factory in Kwale

President William Ruto has announced plans to launch a KSh32 billion cement and clinker manufacturing plant in Matuga, Kwale County, as the government moves to increase local production of construction materials and reduce dependence on imports.

Ruto said he would visit Matuga in approximately three weeks to break ground for the new facility, which will be developed by Bamburi Cement and is expected to significantly increase the company’s production capacity.

The President made the announcement on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, during the groundbreaking ceremony for Devki Group’s cement and clinker plant in Ngaaie, Kitui County.

“In about three weeks, I will be in Matuga, Kwale County, to break ground for Bamburi Cement’s expansion, which will include a new clinker production plant with a capacity of 5,000 tonnes per day,” Ruto said.

The proposed facility will have the capacity to produce 5,000 tonnes of clinker daily, translating to approximately 1.6 million tonnes annually.

Bamburi Cement signed a $250 million (approximately KSh32 billion) engineering, procurement and construction contract with Chinese firm Sinoma CBMI Construction Co. Ltd in December 2025 for the project.

Once completed, the expansion is expected to increase Bamburi Cement’s annual clinker production capacity from one million tonnes to 2.6 million tonnes. Its cement production capacity is also projected to rise from 1.8 million tonnes to four million tonnes annually.

The investment is expected to create employment opportunities during construction and operations while supporting businesses involved in transportation, equipment supply, construction and other services.

Ruto said increasing local clinker production would help retain more economic value within Kenya, support technical skills development and strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector.

Clinker is a key raw material used in cement production. Kenya’s reliance on imported clinker has exposed local manufacturers to international supply costs and foreign exchange fluctuations.

The government introduced the Export and Investment Promotion Levy on imported clinker in 2023 to encourage domestic manufacturing and attract investment in local production.

However, the levy has raised concerns among some industry players over production costs and competition, particularly for manufacturers that continue to rely on imported raw materials.

The Matuga project comes as the government seeks to expand local industrial capacity to support housing, road construction, dams and other infrastructure projects.

Ruto said the government would continue working with private investors to promote manufacturing, create jobs and strengthen local enterprises.

https://peopledaily.digital/news/ruto-announces-planned-groundbreaking-of-cement-and-clinker-factory-in-kwale

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